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Maliki, Anti-U.S. Cleric Join Forces

Iraqi Shiite Parties Reach Elusive Power-Sharing Agreement in Setback to American Aims, but Still Fall Short of Majority

By

Sam Dagher and

Munaf Ammar

Updated Oct. 2, 2010 12:01 a.m. ET

BAGHDAD—Powerful anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr agreed on Friday to back Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a new term in office, adding strength to the months-long push by the incumbent to shape a new coalition government in return for new influence for a man U.S. officials hoped not to see gain power.

The deal failed to guarantee Mr. Maliki control of a new government, and raised fresh questions about what shape Iraq's leadership might take. Mr. Maliki's coalition was still short of a majority, and his agreement...